Methods for producing fuels, gasoline additives, and lubricants

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to the production of fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof. The compounds used to produce the fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof may be derived from biomass. The fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof may be produced by a combination of intermolecular and/or intramolecular aldol condensation reactions, Guerbet reactions, hydrogenation reactions, and/or oligomerization reactions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/830,586, filed Jun. 3, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the production of fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof.

BACKGROUND

Producing fuels and other value added chemicals such as gasoline additives and lubricants from renewable sources has become increasingly important as a means of reducing the production of greenhouse gases and of reducing the imports of petroleum. See L. D. Gomez, C. G. Steele-King, S. J. McQueen-Mason, New Phytologist, 2008, 178, 473-485. Lignocellulosic biomass is typically made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These biomass components are non-edible, carbohydrate-rich polymers that may serve as a renewable source of energy. They typically make up to at least 70% of the dry weight of biomass. As such, conversion of these non-edible biomass components into biofuels and other value added chemicals from renewable sources is of ongoing interest that can benefit the environment and reduce petroleum imports. See A. Demirbas, Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning and Policy, 2008, 3, 177-185. Biomass may first be converted to intermediate compounds such as sugars, which may then be converted into other precursor molecules that may be converted to fuels (e.g., gasoline or diesel), gasoline additives, and/or lubricants.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, provided is a method of producing one or more ketones by contacting a compound of formula (I) with basic catalyst and one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II) to produce the one or more ketones,

wherein the compound of formula (I) and the compound of formula (II) have the following structures:

wherein:

-   -   each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently selected from         hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, and alkynyl; provided that one         or both of (i) and (ii) occurs: (i) at least two of R₁, R₂, and         R₃ are hydrogen; and (ii) at least two of R₄, R₅, and R₆ are         hydrogen;     -   n is an integer greater than or equal to 0;     -   R₇ is selected from alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and         heteroaryl;     -   X is OH or O; and     -   the dashed line represents an optional double bond that is         present when X is O.

In another aspect, provided is a method of producing one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes, by: (a) contacting an aldehyde and one or more alcohols with metal catalyst and optionally base to produce one or more higher aldehydes; (b) hydrogenating the one or more higher aldehydes to one or more higher alcohols; and (c) converting the one or more higher alcohols to the one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes. In some embodiments, the higher aldehydes have a greater number of carbon atoms than the number of carbon atoms in the ketone used in step (a) as a starting material.

In yet another aspect, provided is a method of producing one or more compounds of formula (IX), by contacting a ketone of formula (VII) with a diol of formula (VIII) to produce the one or more compounds of formula (IX),

wherein:

-   -   the ketone of formula (VII) has the following structure:

wherein:

-   -   R₁₄ is H or alkyl; and     -   R₁₅ is methyl;         the diol of formula (VIII) has the following structure:

-   -   wherein t is an integer greater than or equal to 4; and

the one or more compounds of formula (IX) have the following structure:

-   -   wherein:         -   R₁₄ is as described above for formula (VII)         -   R₁₆ is —CH₂—; and         -   t is as described above for formula (VIII).

In yet another aspect, provided is a method of producing a cyclic alkane, cyclic alcohol, or mixtures thereof, by: (a) contacting a diketone with basic catalyst to produce a cyclic ketone; and (b) hydrogenating the cyclic ketone to produce the cyclic alkane, cyclic alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

Provided is also a composition that includes: a diesel fuel, a gasoline additive, or a lubricant, or any mixtures thereof; and one or more alkanes, cyclic alkanes, or cyclic alcohols produced according to any of the methods described above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present application can be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like parts may be referred to by like numerals.

FIG. 1 depicts the data obtained for the cross-aldol condensation of 2,5-hexanedione and furfural at 25° C., 50° C., and 80° C.

FIG. 2 depicts the data obtained for the cross-aldol condensation of 2,5-hexanedione and furfural at different basic catalyst loadings.

FIG. 3 depicts the data obtained for the cross-aldol condensation of 2,5-hexanedione and 5-methylfurfural at different basic catalyst loadings.

FIG. 4 depicts the data obtained for the cross-aldol condensation of 2,5-hexanedione and furfural at different furfural:2,5-hexanedione ratios.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description sets forth numerous exemplary configurations, processes, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure, but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments.

DEFINITIONS

“Alkyl” refers to a monoradical unbranched or branched saturated hydrocarbon chain. In some embodiments of the compounds disclosed herein, the alkyl has 1 to 20 carbon atoms (i.e., C₁-C₂₀ alkyl), 1 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., C₁-C₁₀ alkyl), 1 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e., C₁-C₈ alkyl), 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e., C₁-C₆ alkyl), or 1 to 4 carbon atoms (i.e., C₁-C₄ alkyl). Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, 2-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, 2-hexyl, 3-hexyl, and 3-methylpentyl. When an alkyl residue having a specific number of carbons is named, all geometric isomers having that number of carbons may be encompassed; thus, for example, “butyl” can include n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and t-butyl; “propyl” can include n-propyl and isopropyl. The term “alkyl” also includes “cycloalkyl” compounds. “Cycloalkyl” refers to a cyclic alkyl group. In some embodiments of the compounds of formula (I), cycloalkyl has from 3 to 20 ring carbon atoms (i.e., C₃-C₂₀ cycloalkyl), or 3 to 12 ring carbon atoms (i.e., C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl), or 3 to 8 ring carbon atoms (i.e., C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl). Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

“Alkenyl” refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having at least one site of olefinic unsaturation (i.e., having at least one moiety of the formula C═C).

“Alkynyl” refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having at least one site of acetylenic unsaturation (i.e., having at least one moiety of the formula C≡C).

“Aryl” refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group having a single ring (e.g., phenyl), multiple rings (e.g., biphenyl), or multiple fused rings (e.g., naphthyl, fluorenyl, and anthryl). In certain embodiments of the compounds disclosed herein, aryl has 6 to 20 ring carbon atoms (i.e., C₆-C₂₀ aryl), or 6 to 12 carbon ring atoms (i.e., C₆-C₁₂ aryl).

“Heteroaryl” refers to an aryl group, wherein at least one carbon atom of the designated carbocyclic group has been replaced by a heteroatom selected from N, O and S. The term also includes five-membered heteroaromatic rings such as, for example, furans and imidazoles.

Provided herein are methods of producing gasoline additives, diesel, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof. In some embodiments, a diketone can undergo cross-aldol condensation with an aldehyde or alcohol to yield diesel precursors, which could be hydrogenated to form high value diesel. The products of the cross-aldol condensation could also undergo other types of chemistry, such as Guerbet chemistry, to yield lubricants. In other embodiments, a diketone can undergo intramolecular cyclization to form a gasoline precursor, which could be hydrogenated to form gasoline additives.

The reactions to produce gasoline additives, diesel, and/or lubricants, and precursors thereof, are each described in more detail below.

Cross-Aldol Condensation of Compounds of Formula (I) and Compounds of Formula (II)

In one aspect, provided is a method of producing one or more ketones by contacting a compound of formula (I) with basic catalyst and one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II) to produce the one or more ketones:

wherein: each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, and alkynyl; provided that one or both of (i) and (ii) occurs: (i) at least two of R₁, R₂, and R₃ are hydrogen; and (ii) at least two of R₄, R₅, and R₆ are hydrogen; R₇ is selected from alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and heteroaryl;

X is OH or O; and

n is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

It should be understood that, with respect to the alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II), the dashed line represents an optional double bond that is present when X is O, or an optional double bond that is not present when X is OH.

a) Compounds of Formula (I)

Compounds of formula (I) have the structure:

wherein:

each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; provided that (i) at least two of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is hydrogen, (ii) at least two of R₄, R₅, and R₆ is hydrogen, or a combination thereof; and n is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

In some embodiments, each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₂₂ aryl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, or C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₂ aryl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, each of R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is hydrogen, such that the compound of formula (I) has the structure:

In some embodiments, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In certain embodiments, n is 1-20, 1-15, 1-10, or 2-5.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is 2,5-hexanedione, having the structure:

The compounds of formula (I) can be obtained from any commercially available source, or according to any methods known to one of skill in the art. The compounds of formula (I) can be obtained from biomass. For example, cellulose or hemicellulose may first be converted to glucose or xylose, which then may be converted to 5-hydroxymethylfufural or furfural. The 5-hydroxymethylfurfural can be converted to 2,5-dimethylfuran, which can be hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to yield 2,5-hexanedione. See e.g., Thananatthanachon and Rauchfuss, Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2010, 49 (37), 6616-6618; Kuhlmann, et al., The Journal of Organic Chemistry 1994, 59 (11), 3098-3101.

b) Compounds of Formula (II)

Compounds of formula (II) have the structure:

wherein:

-   -   R₇ is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl,         or C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl;     -   X is OH or O; and     -   the dashed line represents an optional double bond that is not         present when X is OH.

In some embodiments, X is OH and the compound of formula (II) is a compound of formula (II-A):

In other embodiments, X is O and the compound of formula (II) is a compound of formula (II-B):

In some embodiments, R₇ is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₂ aryl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, and C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R₇ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₂ aryl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R₇ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl. In one embodiment, R₇ is C₄ alkyl. In other embodiments, R₇ is heteroaryl. In one embodiment, R₇ is furanyl. In other embodiments, R₇ is furfural, 5-methylfurfural, or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula (II) is:

The compounds of formula (II) can be obtained from any commercially available source, or according to any methods known to one of skill in the art. For example, furfural can be obtained from any biomass source. See e.g., Huber, et al., Chem. Rev. 2006, 106 (9), 4044-4098.

c) Cross-Aldol Condensation Products

One or more ketones are produced when a compound of formula (I) is contacted with one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II) and a basic catalyst. Depending on various factors, the ketones produced can be the result of an intermolecular reaction between the compounds of formulae (I) and (II), an intramolecular reaction involving the cyclization of the compound of formula (I), or a combination thereof.

Intermolecular Reaction

When the ketones produced are the result of an intermolecular reaction, such ketones may be suitable for use as diesel precursors, including, for example, C₁₁-C₁₆ diesel precursors. Such an intermolecular reaction may be depicted as follows:

In some embodiments, the intermolecular reaction is:

In some embodiments, the ketones produced by the intermolecular reaction are selected from:

or any mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the intermolecular reaction may yield 1-addition products, including for example:

It should be understood, however, that the products may also undergo further aldol condensation to form other oligomers if the product contains enolizable carbons that may continue to react.

For example, the 1-addition products may further react to yield various 2-addition products:

In another example, the 2-addition products may further react to yield various 3-addition products:

In yet another example, the 3-addition products may further react to yield various 4-addition products:

Intramolecular Reaction

When the ketones produced are the result of an intramolecular reaction, such ketones may be suitable for use as gasoline additive precursors, such as compounds of formula (B1), (B2), or a combination thereof:

In some embodiments, the intramolecular reaction is:

In one embodiment, the intramolecular reaction is:

In some embodiments, where the gasoline additives are the desired products, the compound of formula (I) will be converted to compounds of formula B1 and B2 with the basic catalyst in the absence of any compound of formula (II). In some embodiments in reactions with compounds of formula (I) and formula (II), the ketones produced by intramolecular reaction of the compound of formula (I) may react further with a compound of formula (II) to produce compounds of formula (C) that are selected from:

and any mixtures thereof.

It will be understood that the compounds shown above will be formed in an exemplary reaction where the compound of formula (I) is 2,5-hexanedione. The 2,5-hexanedione may undergo intramolecular cyclization followed by condensation with a compound of formula (II). However, any compound of formula (I) may undergo such a cyclization followed by condensation.

It should be understood that that the intermolecular and intramolecular reactions are competing reactions, and product formation can be tuned by controlling one or more factors. Such factors may include, for example, the amount of compound of formula (II) present in the reaction system, type of catalyst, catalyst loading, temperature, and solvent. In some embodiments, branched compounds may be formed in preference to linear compounds. In some embodiments, at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the one or more ketones produced by the reaction of the compound of formula (I) and formula (II) are branched ketones. In some embodiments, at least 70% of the one or more ketones produced by the reaction of the compound of formula (I) and formula (II) are branched ketones. In some embodiments, at least 80% of the one or more ketones produced by the reaction of the compound of formula (I) and formula (II) are branched ketones. In some embodiments, at least 90% of the one or more ketones produced by the reaction of the compound of formula (I) and formula (II) are branched ketones.

d) Basic Catalyst

The compounds of formula (I) and one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II) are contacted with basic catalyst to yield one or more ketones, by intermolecular reaction and/or intramolecular reaction.

In some embodiments, the basic catalyst is an inorganic base or an organic base. Examples of inorganic bases may include potassium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the base is K₃PO₄. Examples of organic bases may include triethylamine, trimethylamine, pyridine, and methyl amine. In some embodiments, the amines may be tethered to a heterogeneous support.

The basic catalyst may be homogenous in the reaction system, or heterogeneous in the reaction system. In one embodiment, the basic catalyst is heterogeneous, allowing for ease of recovery of the catalyst from the reaction system. In some embodiments, the heterogeneous catalyst comprises one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Ce, B, Y, and any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the heterogeneous catalyst further comprises oxygen. In one embodiment, the heterogeneous catalyst may be derived from a hydrotalcite material. Basicity of hydrotalcites can be tuned by varying the magnesium-aluminum ratio, by rehydrating calcined hydrotalcite, and doping hydrotalcite with Na and K. In some embodiments, hydrotalcites are prepared by co-precipitation of alkaline earth metal salts and/or aluminum nitrates in a solution that includes urea or ammonia and ammonium carbonate or potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate or sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate. Typically, the hydrotalcite material is calcined at temperatures of about 400° C. to about 800° C. prior to use in the reactions described herein. After calcination, the hydrotalcite material may be referred to as a mixed metal oxide.

In some embodiments, the basic catalyst is a metal oxide. In some embodiments, the metal oxide comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Ce, B, and Y. In some embodiments, one or more metal oxide may be combined as used as the basic catalyst. Examples of metal oxides include ThO₂, ZrO₂, ZnO, TiO₂, MgO and any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the basic catalyst is a mixed metal oxide that contains one or more metals. In some embodiments, the basic catalyst is the mixed metal oxide MgAlO or MgZrO. In some embodiments, the basic catalyst is the mixed metal oxide MgAlO. In some embodiments, the mixed metal oxides comprise at least two metals selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Ce, B, and Y.

In some embodiments, the catalysts include one or more metals, and a basic support. In certain embodiments, the basic catalyst is KF on alumina.

Basicity of heterogeneous catalysts may be determined by a variety of techniques known in the art. For example, basicity of the heterogeneous catalyst can be measured by CO₂ temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). In some embodiments, the CO₂ TPD is carried out by adsorbing CO₂ to the catalyst at room temperature and heating up to 773 K (or similar assay). In some embodiments, preferred heterogeneous catalysts have base site densities measured by CO₂ TPD of at least 50 micromoles/gram of catalyst. In other embodiments, all preferred heterogeneous catalysts of all types have base site densities by CO₂ TPD of at least 10 micromoles/gram of catalyst. Basicity of the heterogeneous catalyst may also be measured using zero charge determination (Regalbuto), or using the Hammett indicator method.

In some embodiments, the basic catalysts have a pKa from 10 to 16. In other embodiments, the metal catalysts have a pKa from 11 to 15. In some embodiments, the basic catalyst has a CO₂ desorption of at least 200° C. Quantitative determination of the pKa and other methods to characterize the basicity of a catalyst support such as hydrotalcite are known in the art. See, e.g., A. Corma, et al., J. of Catalysis, 1992, 134, 58 and D. Debecker, et al., Chem. Eur. J., 2009, 15, 3920.

It should be understood that the metal catalyst can be prepared by any methods known to one of skill in the art. For example, impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation) is one exemplary technique that can be used. In one example, a support such as hydrotalcite), and metal salt such as palladium chloride or copper acetate) can be combined and a solvent such as water is added. The metal salt and support are allowed to react for a period of time between 1 and 24 hours at a temperature between room temperature and 200° C., or more specifically between 50 and 120° C. The reaction mixture may be stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere. The solid catalyst is then filtered and washed with copious amounts of solvent. The solid may then be dried under vacuum at a temperature between 80 and 150° C. Optionally, other additives may be added to the reaction mixture such as alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride) or base as described above.

The metal catalyst may also be prepared by impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation) of metal salts on basic supports, followed by calcination at temperatures higher than 300° C. in air or inert gases and/or reduction in mixtures of hydrogen and inert gases. Alternatively, the metal catalyst may be prepared by synthesizing metal nanoparticle ex situ and supporting said nanoparticles on the basic metal support using a solvent. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst prepared by impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation) includes at least two metals. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst contains Pd and Cu. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst contains Pd/Cu. For example, the ratio of Pd and Cu can vary, in which Pd may be in molar excess of Cu (e.g., in a 2:1 molar ratio), or Cu may be in molar excess of Pd (e.g., in a 1:2 molar ratio).

The metal catalyst may also be prepared by using the aforementioned methods for supporting metals on basic supports, with the difference that the supports are inert and include SiO₂ and carbon. The basic supports are also prepared as mentioned above, but no metal is supported on them. The basic supports and the metal catalysts are physically mixed before the reaction.

The metal catalyst may also be prepared by simultaneous or successive impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation) of solutions of nitrate or acetate salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals and appropriate salts or complexes of the metals disclosed herein onto inert supports, followed by calcination and reduction in conditions mentioned above. Alternatively, the metal catalyst may be prepared by impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation) of alkali salts onto inert supports, followed by calcination and impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation) of ex-situ synthesized metal nanoparticles.

Exemplary Catalysts

The catalyst may include hydrotalcite. In certain embodiments, the catalyst includes hydrotalcite and one or more metals, or two or more metals. The one or more metals, or two or more metals, may include, for example, palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), and platinum (Pt). The hydrotalcite may be used as part of the catalyst in one or more ways. For example, in one embodiment, the hydrotalcite may include one or more metals deposited by coprecipitation or impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation). Such examples may include Pd/HT, Cu/HT, and Pd—Cu/HT. In another embodiment, the hydrotalcite may be coprecipitated or impregnated on carbon support (e.g., HT/C), and one or more metals may be coprecipitated or impregnated on such carbon support. Such examples may include Pd/HT/C or Pd—Cu/HT/C. In certain embodiments, the hydrotalcite may be mixed with carbon to produce a support (e.g., HT-C), and one or more metals may be coprecipitated or impregnated on such carbon support. Such examples may include Pd/HT-C or Pd—Cu/HT-C. In yet another embodiment, hydrotalcite may be used alone, or in combination with other catalysts such that the HT is one catalyst out of a mixture of catalysts used. Such an example may include a mixture of catalysts: Cu/SiO₂ and Pd/C and HT.

In some embodiments, the catalyst includes: (i) one or more, or two or more, metals such as palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), or a combination thereof; and (i) hydrotalcite. In certain embodiments, the Pd, Cu, or a combination thereof may be coprecipitated or impregnated on the hydrotalcite by methods known in the art. In certain embodiments, the hydrotalcite may be impregnated on carbon support by methods known in the art. In yet other embodiments, the catalyst may further include TiO₂. For example, suitable catalysts may include Pd—Cu/HT; Pd—Cu/HT-C; Pd—Cu/HT and TiO₂; or Pd—Cu/HT-C and TiO₂.

The catalyst may include lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃). The La₂O₃ may be prepared from any suitable methods known in the art. For example, the La₂O₃ may be prepared from the calcination of La₂(C₂O₄)₃ or La₂(NO₃)₃ at or above 500° C. In certain embodiments, the catalyst includes La₂O₃ and one or more metals. The one or more metals may include, for example, palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), and platinum (Pt). The La₂O₃ may be used as part of the catalyst in one or more ways. For example, in one embodiment, the La₂O₃ may include one or more metals deposited by coprecipitation or impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation). In another embodiment, the La₂O₃ may be coprecipitated or impregnated on carbon support (e.g., La₂O₃/C). In yet another embodiment, the La₂O₃ may be used in combination with other catalysts such that the La₂O₃ is one catalyst out of a mixture of catalysts used. For instance, the La₂O₃ may be used in a mixture with one or more metal-containing catalysts. Such examples may include a mixture of catalysts: Cu/SiO₂ and Pd/C and La₂O₃/C; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and Pd/C and La₂O₃ and TiO₂; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and La₂O₃.

The catalyst may include magnesium oxide (MgO). In certain embodiments, the catalyst includes MgO and one or more metals. The one or more metals may include, for example, palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), and platinum (Pt). The MgO may be used as part of the catalyst in one or more ways. For example, in one embodiment, the MgO may include one or more metals (including one or more metal oxides) deposited by coprecipitation or impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation). Such examples may include Cu/MgO, SrO/MgO, or CaO/MgO. In another embodiment, the MgO may be co-precipitated or impregnated on carbon support or silica support. Such examples include MgO/C, and MgO/SiO₂. In yet another embodiment, the MgO may be used in combination with other catalysts such that the MgO is one catalyst out of a mixture of catalysts used. For instance, the MgO may be used in a mixture with one or more metal-containing catalysts. Such examples may include a mixture of catalysts: Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and MgO/SiO₂; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and SrO/MgO; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and CaO/MgO; or Cu/SiO₂ and CaO/MgO; or PdCu—CaO/MgO; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and MgO; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C and MgO.

The catalyst may include titanium dioxide (TiO₂). In certain embodiments, the catalyst includes TiO₂ and one or more metals. The one or more metals may include, for example, palladium (Pd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (Co), and platinum (Pt). The TiO₂ may be used as part of the catalyst in one or more ways. For example, in one embodiment, the TiO₂ may include one or more metals deposited by coprecipitation or impregnation (e.g., incipient wetness impregnation). In another embodiment, the TiO₂ may be co-precipitated or impregnated on carbon support (e.g., TiO₂/C). In yet another embodiment, the TiO₂ may be used in combination with other catalysts such that the TiO₂ is one catalyst out of a mixture of catalysts used. For instance, the TiO₂ may be used in a mixture with one or more metal-containing catalysts. Such examples may include a mixture of catalysts: Pd—Cu/HT and TiO₂; Pd—Cu/HT-C and TiO₂; Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and Pd/C and La₂O₃ and TiO₂; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and Pd/C and CeO₂ and TiO₂; or Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and Pd/C and MgO and TiO₂.

In certain embodiments, the catalyst includes Pd—Cu/HT, Pd—Cu/HT-C, Pd—Cu/HT/C, Pd/HT, Cu/HT, Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, hydroxyapatite, perovskite, Cu/MgO, (Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃)/HT, BaO/SiO₂, MgO/SiO₂, SrO/SiO₂, CaO/SiO₂, SrO/MgO, CaO/MgO, Pd—Cu/NiHT, Cu/NiHT, PdCu/ZnHT, Cu/ZnHT, PdCu/ZnHT, Ru/HT, Cu—Ru/HT, Co/HT, Pt/HT, Pt—Cu/HT, Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C, CaO/C, SrO/C, BaO/C, La₂O₃/C, CeO₂/C, HT/C, HT, CeO₂, La₂O₃, TiO₂, or zeolite. For clarity, it should be understood that “Pd—Cu/HT-C” refers to palladium and copper impregnated on a support of hydrotalcite mixed with carbon, where as “Pd—Cu/HT/C” refers to palladium and copper impregnated on a support of hydrotalcite impregnated on carbon. It should also be understood that any combinations of the catalysts above may be used. In certain embodiments, any combinations of the catalysts above may be used, provided that at least one metal (including, for example, at least one metal oxide) is present in the catalyst.

In one embodiment, the catalyst includes:

Pd—Cu/HT;

Pd—Cu/HT/C;

Pd—Cu/HT and zeolite;

Pd—Cu/HT/C and zeolite;

Pd—Cu/HT and TiO₂;

Pd—Cu/HT-C and TiO₂;

Pd—Cu/HT/C and TiO₂;

Pd/HT;

Cu/HT;

Pd/C and HT

Pd—Cu/C and HT

Pd/HT-C;

Pd/HT/C;

Pd—Cu/HT-C;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and hydroxyapatite;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and perovskite;

Cu/MgO;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and HT;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and BaO/SiO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and MgO/SiO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and SrO/SiO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and CaO/SiO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and SrO/MgO;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and CaO/MgO;

Cu/SiO₂ and CaO/MgO;

Pd—Cu/CaO—MgO;

Pd—Cu/NiHT;

Cu/NiHT;

Pd—Cu/ZnHT;

Cu/ZnHT;

Ru/HT;

Cu—Ru/HT;

Co/HT;

Pt/HT;

Pt—Cu/HT;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and CaO/C;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and SrO/C;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and BaO/C;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and La₂O₃/C;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and CeO₂/C;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and HT/C;

Cu/SiO₂, Pd/C and HT;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C and HT;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and CeO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C and CeO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and La₂O₃;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C and La₂O₃;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C, La₂O₃, and TiO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C, and CeO₂;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C, CeO₂, and TiO₂,

Pd—Cu/ZnO/HT;

Cu/ZnO/HT;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ and MgO;

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C and MgO; or

Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, Pd/C, MgO, and TiO₂.

It should be understood that the exemplary catalysts described above may be used for any of the methods described herein to produce one or more ketones from compounds of formula (I) and alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II).

e) Solvent and Reaction Conditions

Solvent

Typically, both the intermolecular and the intramolecular reactions described above may be carried out in an aqueous, organic, or biphasic aqueous and organic solvent. In some embodiments, the biphasic aqueous and organic solvent system may give high conversions and high selectivities for particular products. Examples of organic solvents that may be used in either a single component solvent system or a biphasic solvent system include toluene, trimethylacetonitrile, dimethylformamide, propyl-acetate, dioxane, butanol, hexanol, octanol, and any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the organic solvent used in the biphasic solvent system is an aromatic solvent, such as, for example, toluene.

Reaction Temperature

The operating temperatures used in the methods described herein to produce the one or more ketones may vary. The operating temperature range refers to the range of temperatures across a reaction zone.

In some embodiments, the operating temperature is the reflux temperature of the solvent if one is used. In other embodiments, the reaction mixture containing the compounds of formula (I) and/or formula (II) and the basic catalyst is heated to an operating temperature range suitable to increase selectivity for one or more branched ketones.

The operating temperature range selected may vary depending on various factors, including the solvent and basic catalyst used. In some embodiments, the operating temperature range is between about 25° C. to about 400° C., between about 50° C. to about 350° C., or between about 60° C. to about 200° C.

In some embodiments, in reaction system where a biphasic solvent system such as toluene and water is used as the solvent, the operating temperature range is between about 25° C. to about 250° C., or between about 50° C. to 200° C.

In some embodiments, the reaction may be exothermic and inter-stage cooling may be utilized to maintain the temperature at the operating temperature.

Reaction Time

In some embodiments, the reaction may be carried out for 24 hours, but the time of the reaction will also vary with the reaction conditions (e.g., reaction temperature), catalyst activity, desired yield, and desired conversion (e.g., low conversion with recycle). In some embodiments, the reaction time is determined by the rate of conversion of the starting material or starting materials. In other embodiments, the reaction time is determined by the rate of formation of particular products, such as branched products. In other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 10 to 30 hours. In other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 10 to 20 hours. In yet other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 1 to 10 hours. In yet other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 30 minutes to 10 hours.

Operating Pressure

The operating pressure of the methods described herein to produce the one or more ketones may vary. The operating pressure refers to the pressure across a reaction zone. In some embodiments, the pressure in between 1 atm and 60 atm.

Production of Diesel

The ketones of formula (A) produced by intermolecular reaction between the compounds of formulae (I) and (II) may be suitable for use as diesel precursors. Such ketones can be hydrogenated to yield alkanes suitable for use as diesel.

An exemplary general reaction to produce diesel is:

Other exemplary reactions may include, for example:

In some embodiments, the compounds of formula (A) can be hydrogenated to yield alkanes with at least six carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, the compounds of formula (A) can be hydrogenated to yield C₁₁-C₁₆ alkanes. In other embodiments, the compounds of formula (A) can be hydrogenated to yield alkanes with a cetane number of at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, or at least 80. In one embodiment, the alkanes have a cetane number of 83 or 100.

In one embodiment, the alkanes are selected from:

and any mixtures thereof.

The formation of condensation products in which the branched products are formed with hexanedione provides branched alkanes Branched alkanes reduce the cloud point of the fuel without significant decreases of cetane number.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenation can take place with or without decarbonylation.

Any suitable methods known in the art may be used in hydrogenate compounds of formula (A) to yield alkanes. For example, see He and Wang, Catalysis for Sustainable Energy, 2012, 1, 28-52; West, et al., Catalysis for Sustainable Energy, 2008, 1, 417-424.

Production of Lubricants

a) Ketones and Alcohols to Lubricants

Certain ketones and alcohols may be combined to form lubricant precursors. In some embodiments, the ketone may be a methyl ketone. In one variation, the ketone is acetone. In some embodiments, the alcohol is 2-ethylhexanol:

In some embodiments, the ketone formed (such as the C₁₁ ketone depicted in the exemplary scheme above) may be hydrogenated and dehydrated to form the alkene (such as a C₁₁ alkene). The alkene may then be oligomerized to form alkanes as shown in the following exemplary reaction scheme:

The hydrogenation, dehydration, and oligomerization reactions may be carried out using procedures known in the art. In some embodiments a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir may be used in the hydrogenation reaction. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C, Pd/Al₂O₃, Pt/C, Pt/Al₂O₃, Ru/C, Ru/Al₂O₃, Rh/C, Rh/Al₂O₃, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C or Pt/C.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst may also cause decarbonylation.

Provided herein are also methods of producing one or more compounds of formula (IX), by contacting a ketone of formula (VII) with a diol of formula (VIII) to produce the one or more compounds of formula (IX).

The ketone of formula (VII) has the following structure:

wherein:

R₁₄ is alkyl; and

R₁₅ is H or methyl.

In some embodiments of the ketone of formula (VII), R₁₄ is a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₅ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, or C₁₋₅ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R₁₄ is methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl. In certain embodiments, R₁₄ is H.

The diol of formula (VIII) has the following structure:

wherein t is an integer greater than or equal to 4.

In some embodiments, t is 4-30, 4-25, 4-20, 4-15, or 4-10. In certain embodiments, the diol of formula (VIII) is hexanediol or heptanediol.

The one or more compounds of formula (IX) have the following structure:

wherein:

R₁₄ is as described above for formula (VII)

R₁₆ is —CH₂—; and

t is as described above for formula (VIII).

With reference to the methods of producing one or more compounds of formula (IX), in one exemplary reaction, the ketone is 2-butanone and the diol is 1,6-hexandiol:

In some embodiments, the reaction is carried out with an excess of the ketone (e.g., 2-butanone, above) such that the C₁₀ compound is the main product. This results is unexpected as one of skill in the art would expect that carrying out the reaction with an excess of the alcohol (e.g., 1,6-hexanediol) would lead to the C₁₀ compound as the main product. In some embodiments, the C₁₀ compound can be hydrogenated and the secondary alcohol preferentially hydrogenated to give 1-decanol using procedures known in the art. In some embodiments, the 1-decanol can be converted to 1-decene which is then oligomerized to C₃₀ lubricants using procedures known in the art as shown in the exemplary reaction scheme:

Alternatively, a Guerbet reaction with the C₁₀ alcohol and a C₁₂-C₂₆ alcohol will produce C₂₄-C₃₆ lubricants as shown in the following exemplary reaction scheme:

In some embodiments, the ketones of formula (A) or the ketones of formula (C) described above may be reacted with the one or more alcohols to form the lubricants. It will be understood that any combination of ketones and alcohols containing the appropriate number of carbons may be combined to form C₂₄-C₃₆ lubricants. The Guerbet reaction may be carried out using metal catalyst and optionally base. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst and optionally a base may be the same catalyst and base as the reaction of the ketone with one or more alcohols. In other embodiments, the metal catalyst and optionally a base may be a different catalyst and base as the reaction of the ketone with one or more alcohols.

In some embodiments, a ketone may react with two alcohols to form a higher ketone. The higher ketone is then hydrogenated to an alcohol of formula (C1). The alcohol of formula (C1) is then reacted with one or more alcohols in a Guerbet reaction to form an alcohol of formula (C2). The alcohol of formula (C2) may then be hydrogenated to the C₂₄-C₃₆ lubricants.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenation can take place with or without decarbonylation.

In some embodiments, the alcohols used in the reaction scheme above will be diols, such as 1,6-hexanediol. It will be understood that in some embodiments, C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes may be produced from hydrogenation of alcohol (C1) without the need for subsequent Guerbet reactions depending on the number of carbon atoms present in R₈, R₉, and R₁₀. It will also be understood that in some embodiments, the alcohol (C1) may react with only one additional alcohol instead of two alcohol molecules as shown above. In some embodiments a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir may be used in the hydrogenation reaction. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C, Pd/Al₂O₃, Pt/C, Pt/Al₂O₃, Ru/C, Ru/Al₂O₃, Rh/C, Rh/Al₂O₃, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C or Pt/C.

b) Aldehydes and Alcohols to Lubricants

In some embodiments, an aldehyde may be reacted with one or more alcohols, metal catalyst, and optionally base to form lubricant precursors which may then be converted to lubricants. In some embodiments, the lubricants formed are in the C₂₄-C₃₆ range. In some embodiments, an aldehyde of formula (V) may be reacted with one or more alcohols of formula (VI), metal catalyst, and optionally base to form one or more lubricant precursors of formula (E) according to the following exemplary reaction scheme:

wherein each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, and C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, the alcohol is a diol such as 1,6-hexanediol as shown in the following exemplary reaction with acetaldehyde:

It will be understood that a variety of products may be formed due to competing self aldol-condensation reactions with the aldehyde and the alkylation reaction with the alcohol. For example, products formed in the exemplary reaction of 1,6-hexanediol with butyraldehyde may include the following:

In some embodiments, the C₁₀ aldehyde formed can be hydrogenated to 1,10-decanediol. In other embodiments, the 1,10-decanediol may be hydrogenated to 1-decanol. In some embodiments a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir may be used in the hydrogenation reaction. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C, Pd/Al₂O₃, Pt/C, Pt/Al₂O₃, Ru/C, Ru/Al₂O₃, Rh/C, Rh/Al₂O₃, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C or Pt/C. In some embodiments, the 1-decanol can be converted to 1-decene which is then converted to C₃₀ lubricants by processes that are known in the art. In other embodiments, the 1-decanol can be reacted with one or more alcohols in a Guerbet reaction to form C₂₄-C₃₆ alcohols that are converted to the C₂₄-C₃₆ lubricants. The Guerbet reaction may be carried out using metal catalyst and optionally base. The metal catalyst and optionally a base may be the same catalyst and base as the reaction of the ketone or aldehyde with one or more alcohols.

In some embodiments, the C₁₀ aldehyde may be decarbonylated to form a C₉ alcohol. The C₉ alcohol is then either converted to an alkene and oligomerized to form a C₂₇ alkane, or the C₉ alcohol may undergo self Guerbet chemistry followed by hydrogenation to form a C₂₇ alkane

c) Reaction Conditions for Lubricant Production

The Metal Catalyst

Certain metal catalysts that can catalyze the reaction of the ketone or aldehydes with one or more alcohols may be employed in the methods described herein. Certain metal catalysts that can catalyze the Guerbet reaction may be employed in the methods described herein. The metal catalysts that can catalyze the reaction of the ketone or aldehydes with the one or more alcohols and the metal catalysts that can catalyze the Guerbet reaction may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of the ketone or aldehydes with one or more alcohols and the metal catalyst that catalyzes the Guerbet reaction are the same, such as for example, Pd/C or Pt/C. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of the ketone or aldehydes with one or more alcohols and the metal catalyst that catalyzes the Guerbet reaction are different. It will be understood that even if the catalysts are the same, the base, the solvent, the temperature, the reaction time, and all other possible reaction variables may need to be optimized to obtain the highest yields and highest selectivities for the desired product (e.g., the higher ketones, higher aldehydes, or Guerbet products).

In some embodiments, the metal catalyst includes a transition metal. In some embodiments, the metal-based catalyst includes a late transition metal. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst includes a metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iron, palladium, platinum, cobalt, and copper. Mixtures of these metals are also contemplated, including for example metal alloys. In some preferred embodiments, the metal is palladium.

In other embodiments, the metal catalyst may include transition metals such as nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, rhenium, iridium, or platinum. In other embodiments, the metal catalyst includes palladium or platinum. In certain embodiments, the metal catalyst is [Ir(COD)Cl]₂, RuCl₂(COD), PtCl₂(COD), [Rh(COD)Cl]₂, Ni/Si-Alumina, Ru/C, Rh/C, Pt/C, or Pd/C.

In some embodiments, the metal catalyst is a single component metal oxide, an alkaline earth metal oxide, or a rare earth oxide (e.g., ThO₂, ZrO₂, ZnO, TiO₂).

In yet other embodiments, the metal catalyst is a palladium-based catalyst. Palladium-based catalysts may include palladium metal, and complexes of suitable ligands including those containing P and/or N atoms for coordinating to the palladium atoms, and other simple palladium salts either in the presence or absence of ligands. Palladium-based catalysts may also include palladium and palladium complexes supported or tethered on solid supports, such as palladium on carbon (Pd/C), as well as palladium black, palladium clusters, or palladium clusters containing other metals. Suitable examples of palladium-based catalysts may include Pd(OAc)₂, Pd₂(dba)₃, Pd(OH)₂/C, Pd/C, Pd/CaCO₃, Pd/Alumina, and Pd-polyethylenimines on silica.

Catalyst Support

In some embodiments, the metal catalyst may be a solid-supported metal catalyst. A solid-supported metal catalyst used herein typically is a metal catalyst where the metal is deposited or impregnated onto a support.

In some embodiments, the support is selected from the group consisting of hydrotalcite, single component metal oxides, alkaline earth oxides, alkali metal oxides, rare earth oxides, ThO₂, MgO, Na doped MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, ZnO, La₂O₃, TiO₂, ZrO₂, Al₂O₃, hydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, tert-butoxyapatite, sepiolite, basic zeolites, alkali ion-exchanged zeolites, alkali ion-added zeolites, Pd/NaY zeolite, Pd/NH₄-β zeolite, supported alkali metal ions, alkali metal ions on alumina, alkali metal ions on silica, alkali metal on alkaline earth oxide, alkali metals and alkali metal hydroxides on alumina, Metal/SiO₂, Na/SiO₂Pd/Na/SiO₂, Na/Ca/SiO₂, Na/Ca/SiO₂, Cs/SiO₂, metal-supported zeolite, potassium oxide supported on zeolite Y, synthetic chrysotiles, Mg₃(OH)₄Si₄O₅, cobalt(II)-substituted chrysotile, amino-functionalized mesoporous silica, amino-functionalized MCM-41, alkali ion-exchanged mesoporous silica, alkali ion-exchanged SBA-15, ionic liquid supported MgO, amorphous aluminophosphate, synthetic talcs, magnesium organo silicates, KF supported on alumina, lanthanide imide on zeolite, and lanthanide nitride on zeolite. In some embodiments, the support is an alkali exchanged zeolite such as NaY, KY, RbY, CsY, NaX, KX, RbX, and CsX. In some embodiments, a metal such as Pd or Cu is deposited on the alkali exchanged zeolite and used as the metal based catalyst such as, for example, Pd/CsY and Cu/CsY. In some embodiments, alkali metal ions are added to the support (e g, alkali metal ions on alumina, alkali metal ions on silica, alkali metal on alkaline earth oxide, alkali metals and alkali metal hydroxides on alumina)

In some embodiments, the support is a hydrotalcite or a material derived from a hydrotalcite. In some embodiments, the hydrotalcite or material derived from a hydrotalcite comprises one or more metals selected from the group consisting of magnesium, aluminum, lithium, zinc, copper, and nickel. In some embodiments, the hydrotalcite or material derived from a hydrotalcite comprises one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Li, Zn, Cu, and Ni. Basicity of hydrotalcites can be tuned by varying the magnesium-aluminum ratio, by rehydrating calcined hydrotalcite, or doping the hydrotalcite with Na and K. In some embodiments, hydrotalcites are prepared by co-precipitation of alkaline earth metal salts and/or aluminum nitrates in a solution that includes urea or ammonia and ammonium carbonate or potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate or sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate. In some embodiments, alkaline earth metal supports might be prepared by decomposition of nitrate, carbonate or dicarboxylic acid salts at elevated temperatures, from 450° C. to 900° C.

Basic Catalysts

In some embodiments, the catalysts include one or more metals, and a basic support.

Catalyst basicity may be measured by a variety of techniques known to one of skill in the art. For example, basicity of the catalyst can be measured by CO₂ temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). In some embodiments, the CO₂ TPD is carried out by adsorbing CO₂ to the catalyst at room temperature and heating up to 773 K (or similar assay). In some embodiments, for non-zeolite catalysts, preferred catalysts have base site densities measured by CO₂ TPD of at least 50 micromoles/gram of catalyst. In other embodiments, for zeolite catalysts, preferred catalysts have base site densities by CO₂ TPD of at least 10 micromoles/gram of catalyst. In other embodiments, all preferred catalysts of all types have base site densities by CO₂ TPD of at least 10 micromoles/gram of catalyst.

Basicity of the catalyst may also be measured using zero charge determination (Regalbuto), or using the Hammett indicator method.

In some embodiments, the metal catalysts have a pKa from 10 to 16. In other embodiments, the metal catalysts have a pKa from 11 to 15. In some embodiments, the metal catalysts has a CO₂ desorption of at least 200° C. Quantitative determination of the pKa and other methods to characterize the basicity of a catalyst support such as hydrotalcite are known in the art. See, e.g., A. Corma, et al., J. of Catalysis, 1992, 134, 58 and D. Debecker, et al., Chem. Eur. J., 2009, 15, 3920.

It should be understood that the metal catalyst can be prepared by any method known to one of skill in the art. For example, incipient wetness impregnation is one exemplary technique that can be used. In one example, a support such as hydrotalcite, and metal salt such as palladium chloride or copper acetate can be combined and a solvent such as water is added. The metal salt and support are allowed to react for a period of time between 1 and 24 hours at a temperature between room temperature and 200° C., or more specifically between 50 and 120° C. The reaction mixture may be stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere. The solid catalyst is then filtered and washed with copious amounts of solvent. The solid may then be dried under vacuum at a temperature between 80 and 150° C. Optionally, other additives may be added to the reaction mixture such as alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride) or a base as described above.

The metal catalyst may also be prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of metal salts on basic supports, followed by calcination at temperatures higher than 300° C. in air or inert gases and/or reduction in mixtures of hydrogen and inert gases. Alternatively, the metal catalyst may be prepared by synthesizing metal nanoparticles ex situ and supporting said nanoparticles on the basic metal support using a solvent. In some embodiments, the metal catalyst prepared by incipient wetness impregnation includes at least two metals.

The metal catalyst may also be prepared by using the aforementioned methods for supporting metals on basic supports, with the difference that the supports are inert and include SiO₂ and carbon. The basic supports are also prepared as mentioned above, but no metal is supported on them. The basic supports and the metal catalysts are physically mixed before the reaction.

The metal catalyst may also be prepared by simultaneous or successive incipient wetness impregnation of solutions of nitrate or acetate salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals and appropriate salts or complexes of the metals disclosed herein onto inert supports, followed by calcination and reduction in conditions mentioned above. Alternatively, the metal catalyst may be prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of alkali salts onto inert supports, followed by calcination and incipient wetness impregnation of ex-situ synthesized metal nanoparticles.

Base

In some embodiments, a base is used in combination with the metal catalyst to convert the ketone or aldehyde and one or more alcohols to one or more higher ketones or higher aldehydes (e.g., lubricant precursors) which are then hydrogenated to form lubricants. It should be understood that, in certain embodiments, even when the metal catalyst has a basic support, base may additionally be added to the reaction mixture.

Bases that promotes alkylation of the ketone or aldehyde with one or more alcohols may be used. In certain preferred embodiments, the base is K₃PO₄. In some embodiments, the base and metal catalyst are two separate components that may be combined and contacted with the reactants. In other embodiments, the base is first supported or impregnated on a support material typically containing the metal catalyst and contacted with the reactants.

Suitable bases may include inorganic bases (e.g., hydroxides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals), and organic bases. Examples of inorganic bases may include potassium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. Examples of organic bases may include triethylamine, trimethylamine, pyridine, and methyl amine.

In some embodiments, the base has a pKa from 10 to 16. In other embodiments, the base has a pKa from 11 to 15. In certain embodiments, the base is KOH, Ba(OH)₂.8H₂O, K₂CO₃, KOAc, KH₂PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, pyridine, or Et₃N.

The type of base used may be determined by the desired strength of the base and its ability to promote alkylation of a ketone or aldehyde, without producing undesirable side reactions or side products. The amount of base selected may affect the overall reaction yield, and the proportion of alkylated products. In certain embodiments, the type of base used may be determined by the desired strength of the base and its ability to promote alkylation of the ketone or aldehyde, without producing undesirable side reactions or side products. The amount of base selected may affect the overall reaction yield.

In yet other embodiments, the base used may be calcined. In such embodiments, the base can be pretreated at a high temperature to obtain a more active material. For example, in one embodiment where K₃PO₄ is the base used, the K₃PO₄ may be heated at about 600° C. to obtain a material that is more active in promoting the alkylation reaction described herein.

Solvent

In some embodiments, the methods of producing the lubricant precursors are performed neat, i.e., without addition of a solvent. However, in other embodiments, the methods of producing the lubricant precursors may be performed with a solvent.

Any solvent that promotes alkylation of the ketone or aldehyde may be employed in the process described herein. For example, the solvent may be an organic solvent. Organic solvents may include aromatics (e.g., toluene, benzene), ketones (e.g., acetone or methyl ethyl ketone), acetates (e.g., ethyl acetate or isopropylacetate), nitriles (e.g., acetonitrile), alcohols (e.g., butanol, ethanol, isopropanol), or ethers (e.g., diglyme, monoglyme, diglybu, THF). As used herein, “diglyme” refers to diethylene glycol dimethyl ether. As used herein, “diglybu” refers to diethylene glycol dibutyl ether.

Operating Temperature

The operating temperatures used in the methods described herein to produce the lubricant precursors may vary. The operating temperature range refers to the range of temperatures across a reaction zone. In some embodiments, the operating temperature is the reflux temperature of the solvent if one is used. The operating temperature range selected may vary depending on various factors, including the solvent, base, and catalyst used. In some embodiments, the operating temperature range is between about 100° C. to about 400° C., between about 190° C. to about 350° C., or between about 220° C. to about 270° C.

In some embodiments, in reaction system where toluene is used as the solvent, the operating temperature range is between about 110° C. to about 250° C., or between about 180° C. to 250° C.

In some embodiments, the reaction may be exothermic and inter-stage cooling may be utilized to maintain the temperature at the operating temperature.

Operating Pressure

The operating pressure of the methods described herein to produce the hydrocarbon ketones may vary. The operating pressure refers to the pressure across a reaction zone. In some embodiments, the pressure in between 1 atm and 60 atm.

Reaction Time

In some embodiments, the reaction may be carried out for 24 hours, but the time of the reaction will also vary with the reaction conditions (e.g., reaction temperature), catalyst activity, desired yield, and desired conversion (e.g., low conversion with recycle). In some embodiments, the reaction time is determined by the rate of conversion of the starting material. In other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 10 to 30 hours. In other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 10 to 20 hours. In yet other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 1 to 10 hours. In yet other embodiments, the reaction mixture is heated for 30 minutes to 10 hours.

d) Other Routes to Lubricants

Other exemplary reactions to produce lubricants may include, for example:

The hydrogenation reaction may be carried out by processes known in the art. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation can take place with or without decarbonylation.

In some embodiments a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir may be used in the hydrogenation reaction. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C, Pd/Al₂O₃, Pt/C, Pt/Al₂O₃, Ru/C, Ru/Al₂O₃, Rh/C, Rh/Al₂O₃, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C or Pt/C.

Production of Gasoline Additives

The ketones of formula (B) produced by intramolecular reaction of the compounds of formula (I) may be suitable for use as gasoline precursors. Such ketones can be hydrogenated to yield cycloalkanes suitable for use as gasoline additives.

An exemplary reaction to produce gasoline additives is:

In one embodiment, the gasoline additives are

or any mixtures thereof.

Any suitable methods known in the art may be used for hydrogenation to yield cycloalkanes (optionally substituted by —OH) suitable for use as gasoline additives. In some embodiments a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir may be used in the hydrogenation reaction. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C, Pd/Al₂O₃, Pt/C, Pt/Al₂O₃, Ru/C, Ru/Al₂O₃, Rh/C, Rh/Al₂O₃, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C or Pt/C.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximation of a stated value within an acceptable range. Preferably, the range is +/−10% of the stated value.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples are merely illustrative and are not meant to limit any aspects of the present disclosure in any way.

Example 1 Hydrotalcite Material Calcination and Characterization

A Pyrex dish was weighed at 180.82 g prior to addition of synthetic hydrotalcite (CH₁₆Al₂Mg₆O₁₉.4H₂O; Aldrich: 652288-1kg). Approximately 100.59 g of hydrotalcite was added to the dish prior to calcination in the first floor static air calcinations furnace. The calcination was programmed for 2° C./min up to 700° C. and held for 2 hours at temperature. The material was then cooled in the furnace and removed after cooling to RT. After cooling, 56.50 g of material was recovered. The calcined material is Mg₆Al₂O₉ (MW 343.76). Therefore, the theoretical recovery would be 56.94 g assuming complete transfer.

Example 2 Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) of CO₂ on 600° C. Hydrotalcite-Derived Material

200.0 mg of synthetic hydrotalcite (CH₁₆Al₂Mg₆O₁₉.4H₂O; Aldrich: 652288-1kg) that had been calcined at 600° C. (2° C./min) and held for 1 hour was measured out. The material was heated to the calcination temperature at 2° C./min (profile 4) under 10.0 mL/min He flow (12.5 psi at injector) with venting to atmosphere. The material was held at the calcination temperature for 1 hour and then cooled. CO₂ was then adsorbed by setting the temperature of the furnace to 50° C. and the bottom valve to vent to atmosphere. CO₂ was flowed over the catalyst bed (approx. 200 mg) at 40 mL/min (rotameter set point—57) for 1 hour. The CO₂ flow was then switched back to He. The material was then heated to 100° C. at 10° C./min under 18.3 mL/min He flow (20 psi at injector). The material was held at temperature for 1 hour. The TPD was measured by adding a Drierite® column to the bottom of the reactor. The TPD method was loaded (1050° C. TPD) and a single sample was injected. The furnace temperature program began at 0° C. and heated at 10° C./min to 1050° C. The temperature was held for 30 minutes at 1050° C. The furnace was then cooled. After completion of TPD, the mass of recoverable material was 185.0 mg with some material remaining in the tube. This indicates the material had low initial moisture or carbon uptake. The results are summarized in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Calcination Surface Area CO₂ TPD Results Temperature (° C.) (m²/g) (μmol/g) 450 218.0 212 500 235.5 216 550 233.2 180 600 224.3 152 650 214.8 125 700 193.4 102 700 - 2 hr hold 182.0 100

Example 3 Synthesis of MgZrO Catalyst from Magnesium Nitrate and Zirconyl Oxychloride

1 L nanopure water was added to a 1 L Erlenmeyer flask. 50.9003 g magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and 5.8517 g zirconyl oxychloride octahydrate was added to the 1 L nanopure water. The solution was stirred and then transferred to a 2 L beaker. A 900 mL 1M NaOH solution was prepared by adding 35.9973 g NaOH pellets to 900 mL nanopure water in a 1000 mL pyrex bottle. The 1M NaOH solution was added by pipet to the MgO/ZrO₂ solution with stirring until the pH reached 10. The initial pH of the solution was 1.81, and 400 mL of 1M NaOH was added in order to reach pH 10. A white, cloudy gel formed (rpm 600) which was stirred for 2 hours. The material was left to stand without stirring for an additional 70 hours to age. The gel formation began immediately upon addition of NaOH to the MgO/ZrO₂ solution.

The above procedure was repeated in a second reaction. In this reaction white powder was largely separated into aqueous and solid layer upon addition of NaOH to the MgO/ZrO₂ solution. The aqueous layer was removed. The solid layer was initially filtered; however, filtration was extremely slow due to plugging of the filter and the thickness of the gel. The solid/liquid layer was transferred into fourteen, 50 mL centrifuge tubes. The tubes were centrifuged at 4000 RPM for 5 minutes to yield a clean separation between phases. Approximately 10 mL of solid was collected from each of the tubes and the 40 mL aqueous layer was poured off and collected. Each tube had fresh millipure water added to 50 mL and was stirred manually with a micro-spatula to get a good dispersion. The tubes were then shaken and centrifuged again. Again, 10 mL of solid was recovered from each tube. Addition of water followed by centrifugation was repeated. After this repeat, approximately 5 mL of solid remained in each tube. Centrifugation for 5 minutes produced a dispersion of the solid in the liquid phase and a solid pellet. The combined liquid layer was collected and left overnight. The pH of the mixture remained near 10.

The combined liquid layer from the previous day was re-centrifuged in 12 centrifuge tubes for 15 minutes yielding a clean separation. Each tube contained approximately 3 mL of solid. The removed liquid layer from the re-centrifuged material was filtered through a 0.22 μm polyethersulfone filter yielding a clear liquid layer. The small layer of solid was collected and combined with the remaining solids. The combined solids from the original 14 tubes were combined into 3 tubes with a micro-spatula. Complete transfer was ensured with two 5-10 mL washings of each tube with millipure water. The solids from the 12 re-centrifuged tubes were combined in the same way into one tube. The solid volume from the four combined centrifuge tubes was approximately 40 mL total solids. The combined tubes were centrifuged for 25 minutes at 4000 RPM yielding good phase separation. The material was then filtered through a 0.22 μm polyethersulfone filter yielding a clear liquid. The tubes were rinsed three times with 10 mL of water to ensure a good transfer. The material was rinsed a final time with 150 mL of millipure water to remove any remaining NaOH. The pH of the final washing was 9.73. A sample of the liquid layer was stored in a 20 mL scintillation vial. The solid was transferred after vacuum filtration was complete into a pyrex dish weighing 180.82 g. The added solids weighed approximately 39.8 g. The solid was then put into a muffle furnace at 120° C. and dried for 24 hours. After drying, 12.25 g of solid was recovered. Approximately 100 mg of this dried material was stored for further testing. The remaining solid was then covered with parafilm and stored for calcination.

The dried material was placed in a Pyrex dish and heated to 873 K in a 3 hour ramp and held at temperature for 3 hours in air. It was then cooled to ˜50° C. under natural convective cooling and retrieved 14 hours after calcinations began. The solid material was then finely ground in a mortar and pestle. After collecting the finely ground material, a total of 9.244 g of material was collected and placed in an amber bottle and sealed with parafilm for subsequent use.

Example 4 Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione at 25° C. and 50° C.

Toluene (Fisher), 2,5-hexanedione (Aldrich), dodecane (Aldrich), and furfural (Aldrich) were used as received. MgAlO was calcined as described in Example 1. A mixture of 3.277 g furfural, 1.123 g DD, 1.769 g 2,5-hexanedione, and 22.62 g toluene was prepared in a small beaker. A portion of this mixture, water, and the basic catalyst were added to a scintillation vial as set forth in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Amt. Amt Base Re- Mixture Water Amount Reaction Temp actor (g) (g) (mg) Time (hr) (° C.) 1 2.215 g 2.00 g 50.0 MgAlO 24 25 2 2.215 g 2.00 g 100.0 24 25 MgAlO 3 2.215 g 2.00 g 200.0 24 25 MgAlO 4 2.215 g 2.00 g 25.0 μL of 24 25 2M NaOH 5 2.215 g 2.00 g 200.0 μL of 24 25 2M NaOH 6 1.107 g + 2.00 g 100.0 24 25 0.870 g fresh MgAlO Toluene 7 2.215 g 2.00 g 50.0 MgAlO 24 50 8 2.215 g 2.00 g 100.0 24 50 MgAlO 9 2.215 g 2.00 g 200.0 24 50 MgAlO 10 2.215 g 2.00 g 25.0 μL of 24 50 2M NaOH 11 2.215 g 2.00 g 200.0 μL of 24 50 2M NaOH 12 1.107 g + 2.00 g 100.0 24 50 0.870 g fresh MgAlO Toluene

The reactors were placed on pre-heated stir plates and stirred at 800 RPM. For each reactor, all material was transferred to a 15 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged at 4000 RPM. The organic layer was collected in a second 15 mL centrifuge tube. The aqueous phase was washed 3 more times with 4 mL of EtOAc and centrifuged. The organic fractions were combined and dried over Na₂SO₄. A sample from the organic layer was analyzed by GC. The results are summarized in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 2-Add- HD Furfural MCP Ring Conv. Conv. Yield 1-Add. 2-Add. Closed Product Catalyst (%) (%) (%) Yield (%) Yield (%) (%) Sum (%) 50 mg AlMgO 77.2 50.8 0.5 46.9 4.4 0.2 51.6 100 mg AlMgO 91.3 65.8 0.5 48.8 7.9 0.5 57.2 200 mg AlMgO 99.8 91.5 0.4 31.2 17.6 0.8 49.5 25 μL 2M NaOH 68.0 40.3 0.6 47.5 1.2 0.1 48.8 200 μL 2M 100.0 90.6 0.5 22.2 34.9 4.1 61.2 NaOH 100 mg AlMgO/ 95.2 69.2 0.5 51.8 9.5 0.6 61.9 (Half Conc)

Example 5 Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione at 80° C.

Toluene (Fisher), 2,5-hexanedione (Fluka), and dodecane (Aldrich) were used as received. Furfural (Aldrich) was freshly distilled prior to use. MgAlO was calcined as described in Example 1. “Mixture 1” of 1.639 g (126 mg (1.312 mmol)/reactor) furfural, 561.5 mg dodecane (43.2 mg/reactor), 884.5 mg 2,5-hexanedione (68.0 mg (0.597 mmol)/reactor) and 11.31 g toluene was prepared in a scintillation vial. “Mixture 2” of 1.878 g (144 mg (1.312 mmol)/reactor) 5-methylfurfural, 561.5 mg dodecane (43.2 mg/reactor), 884.5 mg 2,5-hexanedione (68.0 mg (0.597 mmol)/reactor) and 11.31 g toluene was prepared in a scintillation vial. “Mixture 3” of 224.6 mg dodecane (43.2 mg/reactor), 353.8 mg 2,5-hexanedione (68.0 mg (0.597 mmol)/reactor) and 4.524 (0.87 g/reactor) g toluene was prepared in a scintillation vial. A portion of each mixture, water, and the basic catalyst were added to a scintillation vial as set forth in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Amt Base Re- Water Amount Reaction Temp actor (g) (mg) Time (hr) (° C.) Amt. Mix. 1 (g) 1 1.108 g 1.00 g 10.0 MgAlO 25 80 2 1.108 g 1.00 g 25.0 MgAlO 25 80 3 1.108 g 1.00 g 50.0 MgAlO 25 80 4 1.108 g 1.00 g 100.0 25 80 MgAlO 5 1.108 g 1.00 g 150.0 25 80 MgAlO 6 1.107 g + 1.00 g 200.0 25 80 0.870 g fresh MgAlO Toluene 7 1.108 g 1.00 g 12.5 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 8 1.108 g 1.00 g 25.0 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 9 1.108 g 0.95 g 50.0 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 10 1.108 g 0.90 g 100.0 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 11 1.107 g + — 25.0 MgAlO 25 80 0.870 g fresh Toluene 12 1.107 g + — 50.0 MgAlO 25 80 0.870 g fresh Toluene Amt. Mix. 2 (g) 13 1.126 g 1.00 g 10.0 MgAlO 25 80 14 1.126 g 1.00 g 25.0 MgAlO 25 80 15 1.126 g 1.00 g 50.0 MgAlO 25 80 16 1.126 g 1.00 g 100.0 25 80 MgAlO 17 1.126 g 1.00 g 150.0 25 80 MgAlO 18 1.126 g 1.00 g 200.0 25 80 MgAlO 19 1.126 g 1.00 g 12.5 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 20 1.126 g 1.00 g 25.0 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 21 1.126 g 0.95 g 50.0 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH 22 1.126 g 0.90 g 100.0 μL of 25 80 2M NaOH Amt. Mix. 3 (g) 23 0.981 g 1.00 g 25.0 MgAlO 25 80 24 0.981 g 1.00 g 50.0 MgAlO 25 80 25 0.981 g + — 25.0 MgAlO 25 80 0.870 g fresh Toluene 26 0.981 g + — 50.0 MgAlO 25 80 0.870 g fresh Toluene

The reactors were placed on pre-heated stir plates and stirred at 800 RPM. For each reactor, all material was transferred to a 15 mL centrifuge tube. The transfer was completed with 2×2 mL ethanol washed. The 6 mL mixture was shaken and became one phase. The mixture was centrifuged at 4000 RPM. The organic layer was collected in a second 15 mL centrifuge tube. A sample from the organic layer was analyzed by GC. A comparison of the 25° C., 50° C., and 80° C. data is shown in FIG. 1. Results for furfural are summarized in FIG. 2. Results for 5-methylfurfural are summarized in FIG. 3.

Example 6 Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione and 0-6 Equivalents of Furfural at 170° C.

Toluene (Fisher), 2,5-hexanedione (Fluka), and dodecane (Aldrich) were used as received. Furfural (Aldrich) was freshly distilled prior to use. A mixture of 561.6 mg dodecane (86.4 mg/reactor), 884.7 mg 2,6-hexanedione (136.1 mg (1.19 mmol)/reactor), and 11.31 g (1.74 g/reactor) toluene was prepared in a small beaker. The quantities of the mixture and the MgAlO catalyst (calcined as described in Example 1) as set forth in Table 5 below were added to each Q-Tube (catalyst was added first).

TABLE 5 Furfural MgAlO Amt. Mixture Amt Water Amt.(mg) Amount Reaction Reactor (g) (g) (mol Equiv) (mg) Time (hr) Temp (° C.) 1 1.9625 2.00 g 0 (0 equ.) 200.0 4 170 2 1.9625 2.00 g 57.1 (0.5) 200.0 4 170 3 1.9625 2.00 g 114.2 (1) 200.0 4 170 4 1.9625 2.00 g 228.5 (2) 200.0 4 170 5 1.9625 2.00 g 457.0 (4) 200.0 4 170 6 1.9625 2.00 g 685.4 (6) 200.0 4 170

The reactors were placed on pre-heated stir plates and stirred at 800 RPM. For each reactor, all material was transferred to a 15 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged at 4000 RPM. The organic layer was collected in a second 15 mL centrifuge tube. The aqueous phase was washed 3 more times with 4 mL of EtOAc and centrifuged. The organic fractions were combined and dried with Na₂SO₄. The results are summarized in FIG. 4.

Example 7 Crossed Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione with Butanal

Butanol (Mallinckrodt Chemicals), K₃PO₄ (Acros), 2,5-hexanedione (Aldrich), and dodecane (Aldrich) was used as received. The reagents set forth in Table 6 below were added in glass headspace vials.

TABLE 6 K₃PO₄ (50 mol Amt. Solvent Sec. Solvent HD (mg) Butanal %) Reactor (g) (g) DD (mg) (2.385 mmol) (mg) (mg) Temp (° C.) A 3.48 g - None 172.7 272.2 343.9 253.1 100 Toluene B 3.48 g - None 172.7 272.2 687.9 253.1 100 Toluene C 3.24 g - Butanol None 172.7 272.2 343.9 253.1 100 D 3.24 g - Butanol None 172.7 272.2 687.9 253.1 100 E 4.00 g - Water None 172.7 272.2 343.9 253.1 100 F 4.00 g - Water 3.24 (Butanol) 172.7 272.2 343.9 253.1 100 Init 3.48 g - None 172.7 272.2 343.9 0 25 Toluene

The vials were heated to 100° C. and stirred at 600 RPM for two hours. At the end of the reaction, the vials were cooled. The reactions were analyzed by GC. Cross-aldol products, butanal degradation products, and butanal self-aldolization products were observed.

Example 8 Self-Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione to 3-Methylcyclopent-2-Enone (MCP) Catalyst Study

Toluene obtained from Fisher, 2,5-hexanedione obtained from Fluka, and dodecane obtained from Sigma Aldrich were used as received. The MgAlO, MgZrOx, and MgO catalysts were calcined at 700° C., 600° C., and 450° C., respectively. Basic Al₂O₃ (Fisher 60-325 mesh), K₃PO₄ (Tribasic, 97% pure, Anhydrous, Acros), and TiO₂ (anatase nanostructured) were used as received.

A mixture of 22.62 g toluene (4 mL/3.48 g per reactor), 561.6 mg dodecane (86.4 mg per reactor), and 884.7 mg 2,5-heaxanedione (1.19 mmol/136.1 mg per reactor) was prepared in a small beaker. 3.703 g of the mixture was added to seven individual reactor tubes in a high pressure glass reactor system for reaction up to 200 psi (Q-Tube system). 25 mg of catalyst was added to each reactor tube. The reactors were stirred at 800 RPM and heated at 180° C. for 0.75 or 2 hours. Upon cooling, all material was transferred from a reactor tube to a 15 mL centrifuge tube. The tube was centrifuged at 4000 RPM for 10 minutes. A sample of the separated organic layer was analyzed by GC. The results are summarized in Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 Sel. Time Temp. Catalyst Conversion Yield MCP MCP Entry (Hour) (Deg C.) (40 mg) Solvent HD (%) (%) (%) 1 0.75 180 K₃PO₄ Toluene 35 31 89 2 0.75 180 Basic Al₂O₃ Toluene 94 78 84 3 0.75 180 TiO₂ Toluene 74 53 71 4 0.75 180 MgO Toluene 99 78 78 5 0.75 180 MgZrO Toluene 89 82 93 6 0.75 180 MgAlO Toluene 94 75 80 7 2 180 MgAlO Water/Toluene 85.2 84.5 99 8 2 180 MgAlO Water/Toluene 95.7 94.3 99 (50 mg)

Example 9 Effect of Calcination Temperature on Hydrotalcite-Derived Materials on 2,5-Hexanedione Cyclization to 3-Methylcyclopent-2-Enone (MCP)

25.00 g of synthetic hydrotalcite obtained from Aldrich (CH₁₆Al₂Mg₆O₁₉.4H₂O; Catalogue: 652288-1kg) was measured out into a ceramic boat. The calcination furnace temperature was heated at 2° C./min (profile 4) under air to the final temperature. The furnace was held at the final temperature for 1 hour, then cooled to 250° C. and held at temperature. The hot hydrotalcite was removed from the furnace and covered until cool. The calcined hydrotalcite was massed and stored for later use. The final hydrotalcite masses are summarized in Table 8 below.

TABLE 8 Calcination Temp Final MgAlO (° C.) Mass (g) 650 14.113 450 14.816 500 14.429 550 14.272 600 14.178 700 13.939

The cyclization reaction of 2,5-hexanedione was carried out as described in Example 8, above, at 180° C., 1.5 hr, 1.19 mmol 2,5-hexanedione, 4 mL toluene, and 40 mg MgAlO. Calcination in the range of 500-550° C. provided optimal catalyst activity (90-95% 2,5-hexanedione conversion) in the single-phase organic system. However, the cyclization reaction of 2,5-hexanedione was carried out in a biphasic system as described in Example 8, above, at 180° C., 1.5 hr, 1.19 mmol 2,5-hexanedione, 2 mL toluene, 2 mL water, and 20 mg MgAlO. Calcination at 700° C. for a 2-hour hold had the highest conversion at approximately 50%.

Example 10 Self-Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione to 3-Methylcyclopent-2-Enone (MCP) MgAlO and MgO in Toluene

A mixture of 29.0 g toluene, 1.44 g dodecane, and 2.269 g 2,5-hexanedione was prepared in a small beaker. 3.925 g of the mixture was added to eight individual to reactor tubes in a Q-Tube system. 40 mg of catalyst (either MgAlO calcined at 450-700° C. or MgO calcined at 450° C.) was added to each reactor tube. The reactors were stirred at 800 RPM and heated at 180° C. for 2.0 hours. Upon cooling, all material was transferred from a reactor tube to a 15 mL centrifuge tube. The tube was centrifuged at 4000 RPM. The organic layer was collected in a second 15 mL centrifuge tube. The aqueous phase was washed three more times with 4 mL of EtOAc, centrifuged, and all the organic extracts were combined and dried with sodium sulfate. A sample of the separated organic layer was analyzed by GC. The results are summarized in Table 9 below.

TABLE 9 Quant. Larger HD Conv. MCP Yield Prod Yield Catalyst (%) (mol %) (mass %) MgAlO - 450° C. 83.0 70.8 8.5 MgAlO - 500° C. 91.8 75.2 11.2 MgAlO - 550° C. 92.0 75.0 11.0 MgAlO - 600° C. 86.7 70.8 10.4 MgAlO - 650° C. 83.7 69.6 9.5 MgAlO - 700° C. 84.7 69.3 9.7 MgAlO - 700° C. (Batch 2) 76.3 62.7 8.7 MgO - 450° C. 41.9 36.5 1.7

Example 11 Self-Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione to 3-Methylcyclopent-2-Enone (MCP) MgAlO and MgO in Toluene and Water

A mixture of 14.5 g toluene, 0.720 g dodecane, and 1.135 g 2,5-hexanedione was prepared in a small beaker. 1.963 g of the mixture was added to eight individual to reactor tubes in a Q-Tube system. 20 mg of catalyst (either MgAlO calcined at 450-700° C. or MgO calcined at 450° C.) was added to each reactor tube. 2.000 g of water was added to each reactor tube. The reactors were stirred at 800 RPM and heated at 180° C. for 1.5 hours. Upon cooling, all material was transferred from a reactor tube to a 15 mL centrifuge tube. The tube was centrifuged at 4000 RPM. The organic layer was collected in a second 15 mL centrifuge tube. The aqueous phase was washed three more times with 4 mL of EtOAc, centrifuged, and all the organic extracts were combined and dried with sodium sulfate. A sample of the separated organic layer was analyzed by GC. The results are summarized in Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 Quant. Larger HD Conv. MCP Yield Prod Yield Catalyst (%) (mol %) (mass %) MgAlO - 450° C. 17.6 17.1 0.1 MgAlO - 500° C. 16.1 15.7 0.1 MgAlO - 550° C. 22.0 21.4 0.2 MgAlO - 600° C. 24.7 24.5 0.2 MgAlO - 650° C. 24.8 24.7 0.1 MgAlO - 700° C. 40.5 40.3 0.5 MgAlO - 700° C. (Batch 2) 49.0 48.1 0.4 MgO - 450° C. 2.8 2.8 0.1

Example 12 Hydrogenation of 3-Methylcyclopent-2-Enone (MCP)

3-methylcyclopent-2-enone (MCP, Aldrich), octanol (Fluka Analytical), dichloromethane (Sigma Aldrich), and dodecane (Sigma Aldrich) were used as received. Pd/C (Acros), Pd/Al₂O₃ (Aldrich), Pt/C (Acros), Pt/Al₂O₃ (Aldrich), Ru/C (Acros), Ru/Al₂O₃ (Aldrich), Rh/C (Aldrich), and Rh/Al₂O₃ (Aldrich) were dried for 2 hours at high vacuum at 60° C. prior to use. A HEL ChemSCAN reactor was used for the reaction. A HEL reactor is a multiple autoclave system. Each of the 8 hastelloy autoclaves on the system has a 15 mL capacity and is magnetically stirred. Each reactor can also have pressure and temperature varied independently from each other. In each HEL reactor, 100 mg MCP, 100 mg dodecane, 1.8 g octanol, and the catalyst were added as set forth in Table 11 below.

TABLE 11 Re- Temp Pressure Mixture actor (Deg C.) (PSI) (g) Catalyst (mg) 1 70 150 2 11.1 - Pd/C 2 70 150 2 22.1 - Pd/Al₂O₃ 3 70 150 2 40.6 - Pt/C 4 70 150 2 40.6 - Pt/Al₂O₃ 5 70 150 2 21.0 - Ru/C 6 70 150 2 21.0 - Ru/Al₂O₃ 7 70 150 2 21.4 - Rh/C 8 70 150 2 21.4 - Rh/Al₂O₃

The reactor was started with 2 purges of N₂ and 2 purges of H₂. Stirring was started at 500 RPM at the beginning of the reaction to prevent the catalyst from settling. The temperature was set to 70° C., pressure to 150 psi, and stirring to 500 RPM. After 5 hours, the reactors were cooled and vented. The combined solid and liquid were transferred into a 15 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged for 20 min at 4000 RPM. A sample from the organic layer was analyzed by GC. The results are summarized in Table 12 below.

TABLE 12 MCP Conv. Ketone Yield Alcohol Yield Alkane Yield Catalyst (%) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) Pd/C 100.0 98.8 2.9 0.0 Pd/Al₂O₃ 100.0 91.6 9.2 0.0 Pt/C 100.0 81.5 7.2 7.8 Pt/Al₂O₃ 100.0 0.2 76.4 4.8 Ru/C 100.0 0.5 81.9 0.1 Ru/Al₂O₃ 100.0 41.0 46.8 1.4 Rh/C 100.0 22.6 39.2 3.1 Rh/Al₂O₃ 100 71.9 24.0 0.0

Example 13 Hydrogenolysis of MCP

3-methylcyclopent-2-enone (MCP, Aldrich), octanol (Fluka Analytical), dichloromethane (Sigma Aldrich), and dodecane (Sigma Aldrich) were used as received. Pt/C (Acros), Ru/C (Acros), and Amberlyst 70 (Dow) were dried for 2 hours at high vacuum at 60° C. prior to use. In each HEL reactor, the components set forth in Table 13 below were added.

TABLE 13 Pres- Metal Acid Re- Temp Solvent sure Catalyst Catalyst actor (Deg C.) (g) (PSI) (mg) A-70 (mg) 1 170 1.8 g Toluene 450 40.6 - Pt/C 8.2 mg - A-70 2 170 1.8 g Octanol 450 40.6 - Pt/C 8.2 mg - A-70 3 170 1.8 g Toluene 450 40.6 - Pt/C — 4 170 1.8 g Octanol 450 40.6 - Pt/C — 5 170 1.8 450 40.6 - Pt/C 8.2 mg - A-70 Water/1.292 Octane 6 170 1.8 450 40.6 - Pt/C 8.2 mg - A-70 Water/1.566 Toluene 7 170 1.8 450 40.6 - Pt/C 8.2 mg - A-70 Water/1.483 Octanol 8 170 0.9 450 20.3 - Pt/C 4.1 mg - A-70 Water/0.783 Toluene

The reactor was started with 2 purges of N₂ and 2 purges of H₂. Stirring was started at 500 RPM at the beginning of the reaction to prevent the catalyst from settling. The temperature was set to 170° C., pressure to 450 psi, and stirring to 500 RPM. After 6 hours, the reactors were cooled and vented. The combined solid and liquid were transferred into a 15 mL centrifuge tube and centrifuged for 5 min at 4000 RPM. A sample from the organic layer was analyzed by GC. The results are summarized in Table 14 below.

TABLE 14 MCP Ketone Alcohol Alkane Solvent Conv. Yield Yield Yield Catalyst System System (%) (mol %) (mol %) (mol %) Pt/C Toluene 100.0 3.5 75.6 11.6 Pt/C + A-70 Toluene 100.0 0.1 0.0 81.3 Pt/C Octanol 100.0 57.2 19.9 12.1 Pt/C + A-70 Octanol 99.9 7.5 3.9 47.9 Pt/C + A-70 Water/Octane 100.0 2.5 9.2 55.9 Pt/C + A-70 Water/Toluene 100.0 1.2 28.2 45.5 Ru/C + A-70 Water/Octanol 100.0 60.5 11.7 16.7 Pt/C + A-70 Water/Toluene 100.0 1.3 33.7 38.2

Example 14 Guerbet Reaction of 1-Tetradecanol to C₂₈-Alcohol

The Guerbet reaction was carried out in a 4560 mini Parr reactor. In a 50 mL reactor, 1-tetradecanol (10 g, 47 mmol), 5% palladium on carbon (containing 50% of water, 0.06 mg, 0.14 mmol), potassium phosphate tribasic (3.5 g, 16.5 mmol), toluene (15 mL) were added. The reaction vessel was sealed and the mixture was stirred at 220° C. for 6 days. The GC analysis of the crude mixture revealed that the mixture mainly consisted of C28-alcohol and unreacted starting material in 1:1 ratio. The reaction mixture was filtered over celite and was washed with EtOH. The solvent was evaporated and a new batch of 5% palladium on carbon (containing 50% of water, 0.06 mg, 0.14 mmol), potassium phosphate tribasic (3.5 g, 16.5 mmol), toluene (15 mL) were added. The reaction mixture was further stirred for 6 days. The mixture was filtered over celite to provide C28-OH in 75% overall yield.

Example 15 2-Butanone and 1,6-Hexanediol to C₁₀ Ketone

In a 12 mL Q-Tube (pressure tube) 5% palladium on carbon (containing 50% of water, 5.5 mg, 0.0013 mmol), potassium phosphate tribasic (34 mg, 0.16 mmol) and magnetic stir bar were placed. To the tube, 1.0 mL of toluene was added followed by 2-butanone (360.5 mg, 5.0 mmol), 1,6-hexanediol (118.2 mg, 1.0 mmol) and dodecane (internal standard) were added. The Q-tube was sealed and the reaction mixture was stirred at 145° C. in the pre-heated metal block for 20 h at the same temperature after which the tube was cooled to room temperature. The sample diluted with THF and GC analysis of the reaction mixture yielded the amount of product (57% yield).

The reaction described above in this Example was repeated using other diols, including 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,5-pentanediol. No keto-alcohol product was observed from such reactions using palladium on carbon as the catalyst, potassium phosphate tribasic as the base, and toluene as the solvent.

Example 16

In a 12 mL Q-Tube (pressure tube) 5% palladium on carbon (containing 50% of water, 11 mg, 0.0026 mmol), potassium phosphate tribasic (68 mg, 0.32 mmol) and magnetic stir bar were placed. To the tube, butyraldehyde (72.1 mg, 1.0 mmol), 1,6-hexanediol (177 mg, 1.5 mmol), toluene (1 mL) and dodecane (internal standard) were added. The tube was sealed and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at 145° C. in the pre-heated metal block. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the sample diluted with THF. GC analysis of the reaction mixture showed the formation of higher molecular weight compounds whose structures were tentatively assigned.

Example 17 Acetone and 2-Ethylhexanol to C₁₁ Ketone

In a 12 mL Q-Tube (pressure tube) 5% palladium on carbon (containing 50% of water, 2.0 mg), potassium phosphate tribasic (64 mg) and magnetic stir bar were placed. To the tube, 1.0 mL of toluene was added followed by 2-ethylhexanol (1.0 mmol), acetone (2.2 mmol) and dodecane (internal standard) were added. The Q-tube was sealed and the reaction mixture was stirred at 200° C. in the pre-heated metal block for 20 h at the same temperature after which the tube was cooled to room temperature. The sample diluted with THF and GC analysis of the reaction mixture yielded the amount of C₁₁ product (25% yield) and some C₁₉ product (8% yield).

Example 18 2-Butanone and 1,6-Hexanediol to C₁₀ Ketone

The reaction depicted above was performed according to the procedure described in Example 15 above. The amounts of 2-butanone and hexanediol, the type and amount of metal and base, the type of solvent, and the temperature of the reaction is specified in Table 15 below. Table 15 below also summarizes the yield of the C₁₀ ketone produced.

TABLE 15 2-Butanone Hexanediol Metal Base Solvent Temp (° C.) Yield   1 mmol 1.2 mmol   Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 145 20% 2.2 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 145 47% 2.2 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 136 mg Toluene 145 14% 2.2 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 120 21% 2.2 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 34 mg Toluene 120 24% 2.2 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 11 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 145 48% 4.4 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 11 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 145 38%   5 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 21 mg Toluene 145 55%   5 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 34 mg Toluene 145 57%   5 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 42 mg Toluene 145 52%   5 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 145 40% 2.2 mmol 1 mmol KOH, 18 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Toluene 145 NR 2.2 mmol 1 mmol KOH, 18 mg K₃PO₄, 68 mg Dioxane 145 NR   5 mmol 1 mmol Pd/C, 5.5 mg K₃PO₄, 34 mg Dioxane 145 34% NR = trace amounts of products observed

Enumerated Items

The present disclosure includes the following items:

1. A method of producing one or more ketones comprising contacting a compound of formula (I) with basic catalyst and one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II):

wherein:

-   -   each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently selected from         the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₂ aryl,         C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, and C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl;     -   R₇ is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀         aryl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, and C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl;     -   X is OH or 0;     -   at least two of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is hydrogen or at least two of         R₄, R₅, and R₆ is hydrogen; and     -   n is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and optionally n is         1-10;     -   to produce the one or more ketones.

2. The method of item 1, wherein the compound of formula (I) is:

3. The method of either item 1 or item 2, wherein the compound of formula (I) is:

4. The method of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the compound of formula (II) is:

5. The method of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein R₇ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl.

6. The method of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein R₇ is C₄ alkyl.

7. The method of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein R₇ is C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl.

8. The method of any one of items 1 to 4 or 7, wherein R₇ is furanyl.

9. The method of any one of items 1 to 4 or 7 to 8, wherein R₇ is selected from the group consisting of furfural, 5-methylfurfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

10. The method of any one of items 1 to 4 or 7 to 9, wherein the compound of formula

11. The method of any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the one or more ketones are selected from the group consisting of:

and mixtures thereof.

12. The method of any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the compound of formula (I) cyclizes to form one or more cyclic ketones.

13. The method of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the one or more ketones cyclize to form one or more cyclic ketones.

14. The method of any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the one or more cyclic ketones react with the one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II) to produce the one or more ketones.

15. The method of any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the one or more ketones are selected from the group consisting of:

and mixtures thereof.

16. The method of any one of items 1 to 15, further comprising converting biomass to the compound of formula (I).

17. The method of any one of items 1 to 16, further comprising hydrolyzing a furan to produce the compound of formula (I).

18. The method of item 17, wherein the furan is dimethylfuran.

19. The method of item 18, further comprising hydrogenating 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to produce the dimethylfuran.

20. The method of any one of items 1 to 19, wherein the basic catalyst is an inorganic base.

21. The method of item 20, wherein the inorganic base is an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide.

22. The method item 20, wherein the inorganic base is K₃PO₄.

23. The method of any one of items 1 to 19, wherein the basic catalyst is an organic base.

24. The method of any one of items 1 to 19, wherein the basic catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst.

25. The method of item 24, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst comprises one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Ce, B, and Y, and any mixture thereof.

26. The method of any one of items 1 to 19 and 24 to 25 wherein the basic catalyst is a mixed metal oxide.

27. The method of item 26, wherein the mixed metal oxide comprises MgZrO or MgAlO.

28. The method of either item 26 or item 27, wherein the mixed metal oxide comprises MgAlO.

29. The method of any one of items 1 to 28, wherein the contacting the compound of formula (I) with the basic catalyst occurs in a solvent, and wherein the solvent is an aqueous, organic, or biphasic aqueous and organic solvent.

30. The method of item 29, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of toluene, trimethylacetonitrile, dimethylformamide, propyl-acetate, dioxane, butanol, hexanol, octanol, and any mixture thereof.

31. The method of either item 29 or item 30, wherein the organic solvent is toluene.

32. The method of any one of items 1 to 31, wherein at least 70% of the one or more ketones are branched ketones.

33. The method of any one of items 1 to 32, further comprising hydrogenating the one or more ketones to one or more alkanes.

34. The method of item 33, wherein the one or more alkanes are selected from the group consisting of:

and mixtures thereof.

35. The method of item 33 or 34, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₁₁₊ alkanes.

36. The method of any one of items 33 to 35, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₁₆₊ alkanes.

37. The method of any one of items 33 to 36, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₂₁₊ alkanes.

38. The method of any one of items 33 to 37, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₂₆₊ alkanes.

39. The method of any one of items 1 to 32, further comprising hydrogenating the one or more ketones to produce an alcohol.

40. The method of item 39, further comprising reacting the alcohol with one or more alcohols to produce one or more branched alcohols.

41. The method of item 40, further comprising hydrogenating the one or more branched alcohols to produce one or more alkanes

42. The method of item 41, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₁₁₊alkanes.

43. The method of item 41 or 42, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₁₆₊ alkanes.

44. The method of any one of items 41 to 43, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₂₁₊ alkanes.

45. The method of any one of items 41 to 44, wherein at least 70% of the one or more alkanes are C₂₆₊ alkanes.

46. The method of any one of items 40 to 45, wherein the one or more alcohols comprises 1,6-hexanediol.

47. A method of producing one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes, comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting an aldehyde and one or more alcohols with a metal         catalyst and optionally a base to produce one or more higher         aldehydes;     -   (b) hydrogenating the one or more higher aldehydes to one or         more higher alcohols; and     -   (c) converting the one or more higher alcohols to the one or         more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the one or more alcohols is one alcohol.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein the one or more alcohols are two alcohols.

50. The method of item 47, wherein the one or more aldehydes is a compound of formula (V) and the one or more alcohols is a compound of formula (IV):

-   -   wherein each R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently selected from the         group consisting of C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl,         C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, and C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl.

51. The method of item 50, wherein the one or more higher aldehydes is a compound of formula (E):

52. The method of any one of items 47 to 51, wherein the converting the one or more higher alcohols to one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes comprises dehydrating the one or more higher alcohols to one or more alkenes and oligomerizing the one or more alkenes to produce the one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes.

53. The method of any one of items 47 to 51, wherein the converting the one or more higher alcohols to one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes comprises hydrogenating the one or more higher alcohols to produce the one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes

54. The method of any one of items 47 to 51, wherein the converting the one or more higher alcohols to one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes comprises (a) reacting the one or more higher alcohols with one or more alcohols, a metal catalyst, and optionally a base to produce one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alcohols; and (b) hydrogenating the one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alcohols to produce the one or more C₂₄-C₃₆ alkanes.

55. The method of any one of items 47 to 54, wherein at least one of the one or more alcohols is 1,6-hexanediol.

56. The method of any one of items 47 to 55, wherein the metal catalyst is Pd/C.

57. The method of any one of items 47 to 56, wherein the base is K₃PO₄.

58. The method of any one of items 47 to 57, wherein the aldehyde is acetaldehyde.

59. The method of any one of items 47 to 57, wherein the aldehyde is butyraldehyde.

60. A method of producing a cyclic alkane, cyclic alcohol, or mixtures thereof, comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting a diketone with basic catalyst to produce a         cyclic ketone; and     -   (b) hydrogenating the cyclic ketone to produce the cyclic         alkane, cyclic alcohol, or mixtures thereof.

61. The method of item 60, wherein the diketone is a compound of formula I:

wherein:

-   -   each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently selected from         the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₆-C₂₂ aryl,         C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, and C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl;     -   at least two of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is hydrogen or at least two of         R₄, R₅, and R₆ is hydrogen; and     -   n is 1-10.

62. The method of item 61, wherein the compound of formula I is:

63. The method of either item 61 or item 62, wherein n=2.

64. The method of any one of items 60 to 63, wherein the cyclic alcohol is a compound of formula (Ia) or (Ib):

65. The method of any one of items 60 to 64, wherein the cyclic alkane is a compound of formula (Ic) or (Id):

66. The method of any one of items 61 to 65, wherein the compound of formula (I) is:

67. The method of any one of items 60 to 66, wherein the cyclic ketone is:

68. The method of any one of items 60 to 67, wherein the cyclic alcohol is:

69. The method of any one of items 60 to 68, wherein the cyclic alkane is:

70. The method of any one of items 60 to 69, further comprising converting biomass to the diketone.

71. The method of any one of items 60 to 70, further comprising hydrolyzing a furan to produce the diketone.

72. The method of item 71, wherein the furan is dimethylfuran.

73. The method of item 72, further comprising hydrogenating 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to produce the dimethylfuran.

74. The method of any one of items 60 to 73, wherein the basic catalyst is an inorganic base.

75. The method of item 74, wherein the inorganic base is an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide.

76. The method item 74, wherein the inorganic base is K₃PO₄.

77. The method of any one of items 60 to 73, wherein the basic catalyst is an organic base.

78. The method of any one of items 60 to 73, wherein the basic catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst.

79. The method of item 78, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst comprises one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Ce, B, and Y, and any mixture thereof.

80. The method of any one of items 60 to 73 or 78 to 79, wherein the basic catalyst is a mixed metal oxide.

81. The method of item 80, wherein the mixed metal oxide comprises MgZrO or MgAlO.

82. The method of either item 80 or item 81, wherein the mixed metal oxide comprises MgAlO.

83. The method of any one of items 60 to 82, wherein the contacting the diketone and the basic catalyst occurs in a solvent, and wherein the solvent is an aqueous, organic, or biphasic aqueous and organic solvent.

84. The method of item 83, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of toluene, trimethylacetonitrile, dimethylformamide, propyl-acetate, dioxane, butanol, hexanol, octanol, and any mixture thereof.

85. The method of either item 83 or item 84, wherein the organic solvent is toluene.

86. The method of any one of items 60 to 85, wherein the conversion of the diketone to the cyclic ketone is at least 95%.

87. The method of any one of items 60 to 86, wherein the conversion of the diketone to the cyclic ketone is at least 99%.

88. The method of any one of items 60 to 87, wherein the cyclic ketone is formed from the diketone with at least 95% selectivity.

89. The method of any one of items 60 to 88, wherein the cyclic ketone is formed from diketone with at least 99% selectivity.

90. The method of any one of items 33 to 89, wherein the hydrogenating is carried out with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ir.

91. The method of item 90, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst is selected from the group consisting of Pd/C, Pd/Al₂O₃, Pt/C, Pt/Al₂O₃, Ru/C, Ru/Al₂O₃, Rh/C, Rh/Al₂O₃, and mixtures thereof.

92. The method of item 91, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst is Pd/C or Pt/C.

93. One or more ketones, alcohols, or branched alcohols produced according to any one of items 1 to 32, 39 to 40, or 46.

94. One or more alkanes, cyclic alkanes, or cyclic alcohols produced according to any one of items 33 to 38, 41 to 45, or 47 to 92.

95. A composition comprising:

a diesel fuel, a gasoline additive, or a lubricant, or any mixtures thereof; and one or more alkanes, cyclic alkanes, or cyclic alcohols produced according to any one of items 33 to 38, 41 to 45, or 47 to 92.

96. A method of producing one or more compounds of formula (IX), by contacting a ketone of formula (VII) with a diol of formula (VIII) to produce the one or more compounds of formula (IX),

wherein:

-   -   the ketone of formula (VII) has the following structure:

-   -   wherein:         -   R₁₄ is H or alkyl; and         -   R₁₅ is methyl;             the diol of formula (VIII) has the following structure:

-   -   wherein t is an integer greater than or equal to 4; and     -   the one or more compounds of formula (IX) have the following         structure:

-   -   wherein:         -   R₁₄ is as described above for formula (VII)         -   R₁₆ is —CH₂—; and         -   t is as described above for formula (VIII).

97. The method of item 96, wherein t is an integer between 4 and 20.

98. The method of item 96 or 97, wherein:

-   -   the compound of formula (VII) is

-   -   the compound of formula (VIII) is

and

-   -   the compound of formula (IX) is

99. The method of any one of items 96 to 98, wherein the ketone of formula (VII) and the diol of formula (VIII) are further contacted with metal catalyst and optionally a base to produce the one or more compounds of formula (IX).

100. The method of item 99, wherein the metal catalyst comprises palladium.

101. The method of item 99, wherein the metal catalyst is Pd/C.

102. The method of any one of items 99 to 101, wherein the base is K₃PO₄.

103. The method of any one of items 96 to 102, further comprising hydrogenating one or more compounds of formula (IX) to one or more alcohols.

104. The method of item 103, further comprising converting the one or more alcohols to one or more alkenes or alkanes.

105. One or more alkene or alkanes produced according to the method of item 104. 

1. A method of producing one or more ketones by contacting a compound of formula (I) with basic catalyst and one or more alcohols or aldehydes of formula (II) to produce the one or more ketones, wherein the compound of formula (I) and the compound of formula (II) have the following structures:

wherein: each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, and alkynyl; provided that one or both of (i) and (ii) occurs: (i) at least two of R₁, R₂, and R₃ are hydrogen; and (ii) at least two of R₄, R₅, and R₆ are hydrogen; n is an integer greater than or equal to 0; R₇ is selected from alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and heteroaryl; X is OH or O; and the dashed line represents an optional double bond that is present when X is O; and wherein the basic catalyst: (i) comprises an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, a mixed metal oxide, or K₃PO₄; or (ii) is a heterogeneous catalyst comprising Mg, Al, Zr, Ti, Ce, B, or Y, or any mixtures thereof.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (I) is:


3. The method of claim 2, wherein n is 1-10.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (I) is:


5. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (II) is:

wherein R₇ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or C₄-C₂₁ heteroaryl.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein R₇ is selected from the group consisting of furfural, 5-methylfurfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (II) is:


8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more ketones are selected from the group consisting of:

and any mixtures thereof.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the basic catalyst comprises an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, or a mixed metal oxide.
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the mixed metal oxide comprises MgZrO or MgAlO.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (I) is contacted with the basic catalyst in aqueous solvent, organic solvent, or biphasic aqueous and organic solvent.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the organic solvent comprises toluene, trimethylacetonitrile, dimethylformamide, propyl-acetate, dioxane, butanol, hexanol, octanol, or any mixture thereof.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein at least 70% of the one or more ketones are branched ketones.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising hydrogenating the one or more ketones to one or more alkanes.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more alkanes are selected from the group consisting of:

and any mixtures thereof.
 19. A method of producing a cyclic alcohol of formula (Ia) or (Ib), or a cyclic alkane of formula (Ic) or (Id), or any mixtures thereof, comprising: contacting a compound of formula (I) with basic catalyst to produce a cyclic ketone, wherein the compound of formula I is:

wherein: each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; provided that one or both of (i) and (ii) occurs: (i) at least two of R₁, R₂, and R₃ is hydrogen, and (ii) at least two of R₄, R₅, and R₆ is hydrogen; and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and hydrogenating the cyclic ketone to produce the cyclic alkane, cyclic alcohol, or mixtures thereof, wherein the cyclic alcohol of formula (Ia) or (Ib) is:

 and wherein the cyclic alkane of formula (Ic) or (Id) is:

wherein each R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, and R₆ is as defined for formula (I) above.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the cyclic ketone is:

the cyclic alcohol is:

and the cyclic alkane is:


21. A method of producing one or more compounds of formula (IX), by contacting a ketone of formula (VII) with a diol of formula (VIII) and a catalyst to produce the one or more compounds of formula (IX), wherein: the ketone of formula (VII) has the following structure:

wherein: R₁₄ is H or alkyl; and R₁₅ is methyl; the diol of formula (VIII) has the following structure:

wherein t is an integer greater than or equal to 4; and the one or more compounds of formula (IX) have the following structure:

wherein: R₁₄ is as described above for formula (VII) R₁₆ is —CH₂—; and t is as described above for formula (VIII); and the catalyst comprises ruthenium, iron, palladium, platinum, cobalt, or copper, or any mixtures thereof.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the catalyst comprises palladium.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the catalyst is a metal alloy comprising a mixture of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, iron, palladium, platinum, cobalt, and copper. 